Hi people,

Im new this is forum and hope you can help.

I have a 2007 mini cooper, with std mini boost CD player and radio. Over the past few months i have lost FM radio, from frequency 87 to 100. I can just about pick up 104 (Gloucester or Wyvern , somthing like that). However i can still get MW and AM.

I spoke to the local dealer and they had a look and have said its the cable that runs from the ariel to the rear of the radio and this needs replacing. They also quoted me a £490 price tag for the work........

What are peoples thoughts on this? Does this seem right, can i not replace this myself? Does the work required warrant the cost?

I appreciate any advice/comments anyone has

Many thanks

Jim

The radio, in addition to the roof mounted aerial uses parts of the rear window heater elements as an additional aerial for some frequencies, so check youve not scratch the element on the glass surface when carrying/loading things in the back, I would guess this might affect radio performance for certain wavelengths?

Hum, interesting, ill check it out, always a bit tight on boot space so maybe i have scratch something.

Maybe ill drill down further with the dealer to find out why so costly. And i thought a bent coat hanger would fix it !

Hum, interesting, ill check it out, always a bit tight on boot space so maybe i have scratch something.

Maybe ill drill down further with the dealer to find out why so costly. And i thought a bent coat hanger would fix it !

Best way to check your rear screen element is in full working order is to first steam the screen up and then switch the thing on, go and have some fish and chips that should steam it up, :tongue: all elements should clear the screen, it will be very obvious if a section isnt working, then thats your answer, you can get a special paint to repair gaps in the element that have been scratched off too, so a new screen is not always the only answer.

Ok...so ive checked out the rear window heater and it works fine, no issues there.

Im now thinking about ordering a new aerial cable and tring to fit it myself and reroute it rather then replace the existing. I spoke to the garage and they (to replace) woudl remove all the dash, instrument panel etc.

Has anyone got any tips or suggestions as to where i can reroute the cable to the radio without stripping half of the dashboard apart? Ive read that i can remove the centre console fairly easily to gain access to the rear of the radio. Its just how to route the cable.

Comments appreciated

Many thanks

James